How to EDIT YOUTUBE videos on CHROMEBOOK | FREE VIDEO EDITOR CHROMEBOOK AND WINDOWS 2020

Introduction

Creating YouTube videos doesn't necessarily require an expensive setup. In this guide, I will explain how you can efficiently edit your videos using a Chromebook with the free video editor, Kdenlive. By following these steps, you will discover that with just a few essential tools, you can produce quality content without breaking the bank.

Getting Started

Before diving into the details, ensure that your Chromebook has the Linux feature enabled. If you don't have Linux activated, you won’t be able to use Kdenlive. Additionally, it’s important that your Chromebook has enough RAM and processing power to facilitate a smooth editing experience.

To set up Kdenlive, watch the detailed video tutorial by Chrome OS Made Simple, which I’ll link in the description. This video covers every step of the installation process. Once you have Kdenlive installed, come back here to continue!

Organizing Your Files

After you have Kdenlive set up, remember to place all the files you will be using in the Linux Files section. Files in the “My Files” section will not show up in Kdenlive.

Using Kdenlive

Once you open Kdenlive, it should resemble the following interface:

You can customize the layout to fit your preferences. The software allows for multiple tracks, making it easy to overlay video clips, images, or audio. To import your video, double-click the area that displays your files. I often work with my ongoing projects stored in an "Upcoming" folder.

After importing your video, allow it to render, and you can begin editing!

Basic Editing Features

Kdenlive, while not as advanced as Adobe Premiere, has many user-friendly features:

Audio Adjustment: You can drag and adjust the audio levels. For instance, lowering the volume to 50% if a segment is too loud.
Cutting Clips: Use the razor tool to cut out any unwanted segments. Simply click on the timeline where you want to cut, right-click, and select “Delete Selected Item” to remove it.
Effects: Kdenlive offers various effects. For basic edits, I mainly use fade-in and fade-out effects. You simply drag the effect onto your video to apply it.

Exporting Your Video

When the editing is done, it’s time to render your video. Click the render button, and you’ll see options for formats such as WebM and MP4. MP4 is the most suitable choice for YouTube. You can choose the resolution, with 4K being an option if your Chromebook can handle it.

Once you click “Render File,” you’ll soon have a finished product. The finished video will be found in the Videos folder on your Chromebook.

Creating Thumbnails

For designing thumbnails, I recommend using Pixlr. It is a free online alternative to Photoshop where you can create stunning graphics for your video. From customizing backgrounds to adding text, Pixlr offers a range of tools suitable for creating thumbnails.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let limited hardware hold you back from content creation. With a Chromebook, Kdenlive, and Pixlr, you can produce videos and graphics that can engage your audience. Keep grinding, keep creating, and remember—your setup doesn’t define your success.

Additional Resources

Kdenlive Installation Video: Chrome OS Made Simple
Photo Editor: Pixlr
YouTube SEO Tool: VidIQ

Keywords

Kdenlive
Chromebook
Video editing
Pixlr
YouTube
Thumbnails
Rendering
Free video editor

FAQ

Q: Do I need Linux to use Kdenlive on a Chromebook? A: Yes, you must enable the Linux feature on your Chromebook to install and use Kdenlive.

Q: Can I create thumbnails for my YouTube videos on a Chromebook? A: Yes, you can use Pixlr, a free online photo editor, to create custom thumbnails for your videos.

Q: Is Kdenlive suitable for beginners? A: Yes, Kdenlive is user-friendly and provides a variety of basic editing tools that beginners can easily navigate.

Q: What video format should I use when rendering my video? A: MP4 is the recommended format for YouTube videos.

Q: Can I use Kdenlive for advanced video editing? A: While Kdenlive may not be as advanced as some premium editing software, it offers many features that allow for more complex edits as you grow your skills.